An early build of Windows 8.1 Update 1 has leaked online on file sharing websites, ahead of its expected March release. The leaked version was compiled on January 14th, and despite being an early build, includes a number of expected changes in the minor Windows 8.1 update. The leaked build boots straight to the desktop interface, one of the biggest changes that Microsoft is working on to make things more convenient for mouse and keyboard users, though it isn't available for everyone who has installed the non-final build. A power and search button is now present in the Start screen, and Metro apps can be easily minimized/maximized and closed thanks to the addition of a title bar on top.

Other notable changes in Windows 8.1 Update 1 include a context menu that now shows up when a user right clicks on Live Tiles, addition of three new scaling options (200%, 250%, and Custom) for high-resolution (150+ PPI) displays, the ability to show currently open Metro apps in the taskbar, and a shortcut to the Control Panel in the PC Settings menu. Other undiscovered changes will likely rear their face in the coming days, though there's no telling whether all of the changes and features will make it into the final build that Microsoft will launch officially in March.